Cool or Crummy

COOL

Bug Band Wrist Bands and Towelettes
www.BugBand.net
99¢ for two towelettes or $15 for bands

We have to admit that we were more than slightly skeptical about these things when they showed up on our doorstep. They contain something we’d never heard of called Geraniol, a “natural” insect repellant derived from geraniums. Since snake venom is also “natural” (and not particularly good for you) we decided we’d better look up the stuff before we waxed poetic about it. Turns out, Geraniol is a natural antioxidant used most often in perfume and flavoring applications. Scientists at the University of Florida-Gainesville tested Geraniol and found that it is, indeed, effective at repelling insects. We found the same thing! Just moments before our tester mama wiped herself with one of the towelettes, she was getting bit left and right by mosquitoes; after the towelette, nothing. Nada. Zilch. Ditto for the kids, who were wearing the wrist bands. It was like everyone had an invisible barrier on them or something. Given how well they worked, how easy they were to use —and how long the wrist bands last (up to 120 hours)— we highly recommend them. However, given that Geraniol is the active ingredient, we must clarify that these products are not for use on people with perfume allergies or sensitivities. As well, Geraniol can attract honey bees (it’s apparently the same substance they secrete to help them find their hives). That didn’t happen in our test, but since it’s a possibility we think you ought to know about it!

Dr. Dobbs BugNix Insect Repellant Salve
www.drdobbsskincare.com
$5

This salve claims to be 99% natural, utilizing eucalyptus, lemongrass, cedar, citronella, and rosemary oils to repel mosquitoes. We were skeptical, but since it didn’t appear toxic to inhale (despite its strong fragrance) we tried it — and it worked! What we especially like about this salve is that it’s safe to put on kids. The only downside is that you really have to wash your hands after applying it. But that’s no big deal if it means no nasty bites!

CRUMMY

Bug Band Insect Repellant
www.BugBand.net
$7

You’ve probably noticed a theme about now…yeah, we’re in mosquito mode, which may seem a bit odd, but since it just started raining (after a ridiculously hot and dry summer) we’re trying to be proactive. In any case, this product really disappointed us. After our stellar experience with its cousins (above) we thought for sure this stuff would be fantastic. Alas, no. Although it smelled nice (sort of minty and strong on geraniums), the tester mama who tried it ended-up with two legs riddled with bites — which left her grumbling about why she didn’t use the towelettes instead. We say avoid this “repellant” and get the wipes. Yes, they’re more expensive, but 50¢ a leg is a deal if it keeps the skeeters away.

BONUS ITEM

The Bug Book and Bug Bottle by Hugh Danks
$14

Technically, this review probably belongs with the books. But since we’re on a bug tangent —and since it comes with a nifty bug bottle—we thought we stick it in here while we have your attention! This simple yet interesting book is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers with a bug fetish. Divided by bug habitat, the book explains various environments and the bugs that call them home. Best of all, it isn’t too wordy to hold the attention of young children. The bug bottle, which comes with the book, is perfect for little hands (although we’ll warn you that the top comes off really easily so you may want to be careful what kind of critter you stick in it because he could end-up moving into your house). Our only complaint about the book is that it features drawings, rather than photographs, of the bugs. Still, kids don’t seem to mind and it’s a nice way to introduce them to the wonders of entomology.

Newly mandated legal note: The items we review in this section are sent to us by PR agencies and product representatives; we do not purchase them. We just test ’em and give you our honest opinion—no holds barred. We don’t receive any kick-backs for reviewing these products, although we do receive quite a bit of email taking us to task for our opinions. If you’d like to join the fray, or send us a product for possible review, email Editor@ParentWiseAustin.com.